Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to what he described as a failure of leadership, raising concerns over the government’s capacity to address the country’s growing security challenges.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into allegations that some government officials are supplying ammunition and logistics to terrorists.
Obi was reacting to a viral video in which suspected terrorists, reportedly arrested by security operatives in Kwara State, allegedly claimed that they received support from government officials. He warned that such claims raise grave concerns that must not be ignored.
“Yesterday, a disturbing video emerged from Kwara State in which suspected terrorists arrested by security forces claimed that ammunition and logistics were supplied to them by government officials,” Obi said, adding that the allegation “demands nothing less than an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation.”
He expressed dismay that despite huge financial investments in security over the years, insecurity has continued to escalate across the country. “Over the years, trillions of naira and billions of dollars have been continuously collected by the government in the name of security. Yet insecurity has only expanded across the country, and in an increasingly brazen manner,” he stated.
Obi said the development lends credence to a widely cited remark attributed to late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, that any insurgency lasting more than 24 hours suggests government involvement.
He also referenced comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, questioning the continued negotiation with terrorists despite available technology. Quoting Obasanjo, Obi said: “Before I left office, Nigeria could identify and locate anyone who committed any crime anywhere in the country. Today, with technology such as drones and improved tracking tools, we can easily locate and remove them. But we are not doing that. Why are we negotiating with terrorists?”
According to Obi, the Federal Government controls telecommunications infrastructure, intelligence systems and financial trails, yet kidnapping, banditry and terrorism continue to thrive, raising serious questions about political will and accountability.
He further recalled that between 2010 and 2015, Nigeria invested heavily in advanced security infrastructure, particularly under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, to track terrorists and enhance rapid response.
“Where are these pieces of equipment today, and why are they not being deployed?” Obi asked, noting that confessions by arrested terrorists often implicate government officials.
The former presidential candidate also criticised what he described as the celebration of the release of abducted victims without the arrest or punishment of perpetrators. He cited the recent release of students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, saying that while about 100 children were freed, no terrorist was apprehended and more than 200 students and teachers reportedly remain in captivity.
Obi questioned why available technology has not been deployed to rescue the remaining abductees, warning that persistent insecurity points either to complicity or leadership failure.
“When insecurity persists on this scale, day after day, it points either to complicity or to a failure of leadership. No society should accept either,” he said. “The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of life and property. Nigeria needs leaders of competence, transparency and capacity who will end this insecurity once and for all.”
